Originally started to reconcile the philosophy of the ancient classical philosophers with

medieval Christian theology, scholasticism is not a philosophy or theology in itself but a tool and
method for learning which places emphasis on dialectical reasoning. The primary purpose of
scholasticism is to find the answer to a question or to resolve a contradiction. It was once well
known for its application in medieval theology, but was eventually applied to classical philosophy
and many other fields of study.
The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use primary
sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. The question of the nature, and
indeed the possibility, of sound historical method is raised in thephilosophy of history, as a
question of epistemology. History guidelines commonly used by historians in their work
require external criticism, internal criticism, and synthesis.
The empirical method is generally taken to mean the collection of data on which to base
a hypothesis or derive a conclusion inscience. It is part of the scientific method, but is often
mistakenly assumed to be synonymous with other methods. The empirical method is not sharply
defined and is often contrasted with the precision of experiments, where data is derived from the
systematic manipulation of variables. The experimental method investigates causal relationships
among variables. An experiment is a cornerstone of the empirical approach to acquiring data
about the world and is used in both natural sciences and social sciences. An experiment can be
used to help solve practical problems and to support or negate theoretical assumptions.
The scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring
new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a
method of inquiry must be based on
gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles
of reasoning.[2] A scientific method consists of the collection
of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.
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